EVA-Summer 2018 - mag...EBACE BOOTH N T115 ULTRA THIN REAL STONE COMPOSITE ©PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD...
Transcript of EVA-Summer 2018 - mag...EBACE BOOTH N T115 ULTRA THIN REAL STONE COMPOSITE ©PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD...
AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS ONE YEAR ON – CEO FREDERIC LEMOSGLOBAL JET, SWISS VALUES – VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BJORN NABERHUIS
SATCOM DIRECT & INMARSAT: CELEBRATING A CONNECTED DECADE
EXECUTIVE & VIP AVIATIONINTERNATIONAL
#EXVIPAV SUMMER 2018
www.exvipaviationint.com
NIKI LAUDAON LAUDAMOTION EXECUTIVE, FORMULA 1
AND BOMBARDIER’S GLOBAL 7000
F-LIST.AT
HEATING LAYER
SURFACE TEMPERATURE 82.4 ± 9°F (28 ± 5°C)
Significant resilience • Hygienic in wet areas • Swift installation and dismantling Minimal maintenance costs • Custom surface finish • Luxurious appearance and comfort
DRIVEN BY A PASSION FOR PERFECTION F/ LIST DEVELOPS AND MANUFACTURES INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR AIRCRAFT, YACHT & LUXURY RESIDENCE INTERIORS
EBACE BOOTH N° T115
ULTRA THIN REAL STONE COMPOSITE
©P
ILA
TU
S A
IRC
RA
FT
LT
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BACKING & DAMPING MATERIAL
ADJUSTABLE SPACER WITH HOOK & LOOP TAPE
HONEYCOMB PANEL
HEATED STONE FLOORING
EVA INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LTD PUBLISHERS & EVENTS SPECIALISTS
fore
word
With all eyes on Europe and specifically Geneva, for the annual
European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, it’s entirely
appropriate that this edition should feature Niki Lauda, long-time
leader in European aviation and exemplar of the business aviator.
He owns and flies a Bombardier Global 6000 as the essential tool
that enables him to ‘work for the airline during the week and go racing
at the weekend’. In fact, it’s the Global that ensures he satisfies his
Mercedes-Benz contract to be at every Formula 1 race; without the jet,
he says, he couldn’t and wouldn’t do it, because it would be impossible
to balance his work commitments with family life.
EVA has also been busy speaking with a couple more leading
European business aircraft operators, proving there’s definitely more
than one way to fly a Gulfstream. TAG Aviation Europe and Global
Jet both excel in delivering exceptional aircraft management and
charter service to the most discerning clients, yet their business models
are worlds apart… and Avinode is doing rather well too.
Airbus Helicopters chose last year’s EBACE to launch its Airbus
Corporate Helicopters brand, bringing its rotary-winged VIP aircraft
in line with Airbus Corporate Jets. One year on, CEO Frédéric Lemos
says that while the process of evolution and learning continues, the
only coherent jet/helicopter offering on the market is working well and
customers are awake to its unique possibilities.
Niki Lauda is looking forward to delivery of his Global 70000
at year end, and with new aircraft also coming to market from
Gulfstream and Dassault, a little further down the line, plus MAX and
neo, this ought to be a brighter EBACE than we’ve seen in a while.
PAUL E. EDENEditor | [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1945 585557
JAMES [email protected]
PARVEEN RAJAPublisher & Business Development [email protected]
JUSTIN BURNSAssociate [email protected]
TOM WILLISNews [email protected]
MO BANKSSales [email protected]
SOHAIL AHMADConference [email protected]
GEMMA KEENEvents [email protected]
SHOBHANA PATEL Head of [email protected]
SHELDON PINKCreative [email protected]
NENAD PANICGraphic [email protected]
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Cover image: NIKI LAUDAFull story 6
FOREWORD
SUMMER 2018 | International 1
contents
6 Flying, Formula 1 & the Global 7000Three-time Formula 1 world champion, aviation entrepreneur and pilot Niki Lauda talks airlines, racing and why he loves his Global
10 12 Months Later…Airbus Corporate Helicopters CEO Frédéric Lemos provides an update on the organisation, one year on from its EBACE debut
16 Antenna Time in Basel?Specialist MRO provider AMAC has been busy with antenna STCs, as Director Quality Assurance & Design Organisation & CVE, AMAC Aerospace Switzerland Gunnar Jancke explains
20 New Horizons for A-GroupRussia’s A-Group has improved its FBO infrastructure ready for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
22 Charting the Path to Online CharterCEO Oliver King told Stephanie Taylor how the Avinode online charter marketplace works and where it’s going next
26 Safe, Specifi c, Superior ServiceMargie Goldsmith spoke with Joshua Hebert, founder and CEO of Magellan Jets, on its tenth anniversary
32 Service on Another LevelGlobal Jet Vice President for Business Development, Bjorn Naberhuis explains the company’s successful approach to aircraft management and charter
36 MRO Made EasyMRX Systems’ MRO software makes maintenance easy, as Sales Manager Arnaud Veron explains
40 Avanti the Future!Piaggio CEO Renato Vaghi says the Avanti turboprop has a bright future in an evolving market
45 A Refreshingly Simple Approach…TAG Aviation Europe President Aircraft Management and Charter, Graham Williamson says success is all about taking the simple approach
50 One Stop Suits AllVolker Wallrodt, Senior Vice President Business Jets, Dornier 228 & Components, RUAG Aviation, describes the Swiss provider’s one-stop shop philosophy
54 Celebrating a Connected DecadeInmarsat and Satcom Direct are celebrating ten years since SD
60 The Southend AdvantageStobart Aviation CEO Glyn Jones is keen to spread the word, as business aircraft operators realise the access and transport advantages at Southend Airport
62 FBO Round-upEVA looks at changes and developments in the global FBO market since the Spring 2018 issue
64 Olbia Costa Smeralda Eccelsa Aviation’s Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport FBO is the entry
65 Switzerland’s Sensible AlternativeFlying into Switzerland is never easier than through Bern Airport, as CEO Mathias Gantenbein explains
67 Ready for Kick-off …
services for the FIFA World Cup. Sales and Marketing Director Andrea Jilkova reveals Travion’s Russian advantage
CONTENTS
4 International | SUMMER 2018
Turn your private luxury dreams into your trademark.
The Luxury of Experience.
Flying, Formula 1 & the Global 7000
Formula 1 phenomenon Niki Lauda
have settled into retirement after
three- world championships. Instead, he plunged into the complex world of airline entrepreneurship,
sold it more than a decade later, returning to airline ownership with
Berlin in 2011.In January 2016, Lauda bought
Amira Air, a business aircraft operator
an Austrian AOC since 2004. The company was renamed LaudaMotion and successfully combined Lauda’s many years as a business aircraft pilot and
aircraft management and VIP charter.Meanwhile, after years of struggle,
Air Berlin and its subsidiaries began insolvency proceedings in August 2017. Lauda’s interest in ‘his’ part of Air
acquisition attempt. In January this year, the creditors’ committee of the insolvent NIKI awarded LaudaMotion a contract for the airline’s takeover. “It went bankrupt, so I bought it back,” he told EVA. The Niki brand was retired and its operations transferred to LaudaMotion,
Homebased in Vienna, LaudaMotion
four Challenger 300s, two Challenger
Global 6000. All are managed, while the latter is Lauda’s personal aircraft. The
operations, crew control, crew training
LaudaMotion Executive
fleet comprises only Bombardier types, while Lauda himself has strong personal links with the
LAUDA
Oliver Jiszda/LaudaMotion Executive
The Global 6000 is Lauda’s favourite of the aircraft he’s fl own; he’s confi dent the Global 7000 will be even better.
Peter Burgstaller/LaudaMotion Executive
LAUDAMOTION EXECUTIVE|NIKI LAUDA
6 International | SUMMER 2018
Canadian OEM. “When I bought the LaudaMotion it already had a Challenger 300 and Global fleet, and I’m Bombardier’s Brand Ambassador because I fly a Global 6000; I have a 7000 coming towards the end of this year. But the relationship goes back 20 years, since I started flying
“But we have the capacity to operate more aircraft and the new opportunity for us is through LaudaMotion, which is
easily operate an ACJ, because we have maintenance, pilots and pilot training in
Airbus for a customer.”
“Bring your airplane to us and we do everything,” he says. “We maintain the airplane, train the pilots and operate the airplane commercially.”
Brand AmbassadorWhile he obviously appreciates Bombardier’s products and service standards, there is surely something more to Lauda’s close relationship with the company. “There is. When I started flying myself, during the 1970s and 80s, first I had a Citation, then
commercial licence and started Lauda Air, where I captained Boeing 737, 767 and 777 airplanes. I sold Lauda Air, then I had Fly NIKI, so I flew the Airbuses, and now I’m back with Fly NIKI and the Airbus again.”
logbook, Lauda’s enthusiasm for Bombardier, begun with the legacy
their planes. I look at the performance and the endurance they have to help
of the board, I have to visit every race,
very well. I know its strengths and any issues, and that also brings me closer to Bombardier.”
Electric, Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney Canada, a supplier situation that might complicate maintenance and service. According to Lauda, it actually creates no issues at all. “It’s very easy. Most owners buy into the engine programmes – they pay an hourly rate and then the manufacturers take care of everything. For me, working with the engine manufacturers is no problem
because the engine programme comes through Bombardier.”
F/LIST’s International CabinWhen it comes to his personal aircraft, it should come as no surprise that
closely with F/LIST in developing aircraft cabins, including that of
perspective and I see very few that
nice interior. For sure there are some,
good. I worked with Hannes Rausch, who previously designed my Lauda Air and NIKI cabins, and my private airplanes for me. We went to F/LIST together, because we wanted to create an interior very different to other airplanes.
“We needed it to look good to people everywhere, from Australia to America. When people who might want to buy one come and look at the airplane they always remark on the paint scheme and how great the cabin is. With F/LIST’s help we
found suppliers for the unusual veneers and materials we wanted, we selected them, and they did the entire cabin.
The Global 6000 is the ideal tool for my work. If I couldn’t
family either
SUMMER 2018 | International 7
LAUDAMOTION EXECUTIVE|NIKI LAUDA
“And the concept of the sidestick is
conventional controls, but you have a better view in the cockpit because there’s nothing in front of you. I believe it’s also
you can pull out a table and have your meal in front of you, and it points to
conventional controls, but I was recently in the Global 7000 simulator in Wichita, and I can tell you it’s simple. You get in,
system is fantastic.“The 7000 has the sidestick and
from Singapore to Vienna, it’s about
I’ll save around one hour ten minutes
Career ContradictionAs Lauda speaks about aviation and flying, it quickly becomes clear that
see my family either.”Speaking in May, Lauda was looking
forward to taking delivery of his Global 7000 later in this year. He’s clearly very happy with the Global 6000, so what advantage is there in moving up to the new aircraft? “Bombardier included me in the Global 7000 programme pretty much from day one. I told them there were two essential elements they needed
with the systems. I said to Bombardier
the competition and come out with a product at the top of private aviation, they needed to do it right.”
It’s interesting and indicative of his 18,500 or so hours as pilot, that when Bombardier presented Lauda with
rather than cabin comforts or IFE as his primary concern. “I 100% believe in
tool for pilots. If they make mistakes, the
“I’ve done the same thing with the Global 7000, because when I go to the
a demonstrator – people go to the airport to take a look and the cabin impresses everyone, we successfully achieved an international look. I think whenever I’ve sold an airplane, I’ve sold it on the
Global AdvantageWithout his Global 6000, Niki Lauda would be unable to live the life upon which he so clearly thrives. “I wouldn’t do what I do without the airplane. The problem for me is the distances. The racing started in Australia this year, then it went to Bahrain, Shanghai and Baku. The travelling is
of flying my own 6000 myself, across these vast distances, I wouldn’t do it, it would be too much.
“I’m so lucky to have the pleasure
distances we have three pilots, of which I’m one, and we switch around; between us we went all the way down to Australia from Vienna, and back. The Global 6000 is the ideal tool for my
Detail design in the Global 6000’s F/LIST cabin.
F/LIST
LAUDAMOTION EXECUTIVE|NIKI LAUDA
8 International | SUMMER 2018
doing. Racing is ‘take any chance to win’,
rules’. It’s very simple and I found the combination perfect. I’ve never got into problems in an airplane and I’ve never taken a risk in the air. If an airport’s
my aircraft’s capability, I won’t go there.
other sensible pilot does.”
from his original need to travel to, from and between races, and quickly
behind aircraft operations. “I found the business case more challenging than the piloting; my interest has always been
With the Global 7000 coming, Lauda is training for his type rating, which he aims to have by the end of the year, in time for delivery. Does he aim to carry
“Yes, yes!”Lauda has owned several aircraft
collection of other types through his airlines, but doesn’t hesitate for a moment when asked which his favourite
if I have to go to a race in Europe and
for that too. The problem is always,
he’s a professional career pilot for whom safety is always paramount. Yet he was also a racing driver of
career, where taking a risk is often the only possible means to success and another, where taking a risk is seldom ever a route to success. How did he manage this apparent contradiction?
“It was easy. When I was still racing, I’d go to the airport after the event and when I saw my airplane I knew this was the absolute opposite to what I’d been
money, there’s no question. But for the
distance and short distance, and from
The 7000 will be even better, because of
saving Global 7000, perhaps because his schedule appears so hectic. His
man. Does he ever think it’ll be time to slow down?
“No! I was lucky that the NIKI and LaudaMotion deal was done during the winter and concluded in February; there are no Formula 1 races in winter. Now
they’re turning NIKI around. We have
supporting our sales.“The racing is generally a weekend
longer to get there, but basically I work for the airline during the week and over the weekend I go racing.” Does he rest? “I do! I have very good timing, I know
good people at LaudaMotion. It’s doing very well. I can’t complain.”
F/LIST created an ‘international’ cabin for Lauda’s Global 6000 and has done the same for his forthcoming 7000. F/LIST
Lauda’s personal Global 6000. Peter Burgstaller/LaudaMotion Executive
SUMMER 2018 | International 9
LAUDAMOTION EXECUTIVE|NIKI LAUDA
Frédéric Lemos, CEO Airbus Corporate Helicopters. Eric Raz/Airbus Helicopters
AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS |FREDERIC LEMOS
10 International | SUMMER 2018
12 Months Later…Airbus Helicopters launched
its Corporate brand at last year’s EBACE show. In the 12 months since, Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH)
rescue, and utility machines.
encompasses ACH and ACJ, but just how close are
many more customers are likely to take only the
are less apparent – not least due to the lower entry
ACH brings the quality of high-end VIP jet completions to VIP rotary-wing operators. F Lancelot/Airbus
Helicopters
ACH160 is precisely that
SUMMER 2018 | International 11
AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS |FREDERIC LEMOS
What is ACH?
and standards are used and met, in a process similar
ACH in Service
The ACH brand may be applied to any model in Airbus Helicopters’ commercial aircraft range, including the H130
AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS |FREDERIC LEMOS
12 International | SUMMER 2018
ACH product is ideally placed to benefit from
concepts of the helideck; it’s a particularly useful
established competitors.
interest. Recent order commitments in North
Airbus completed an H160 tour of the Americas earlier this year
AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS |FREDERIC LEMOS
14 International | SUMMER 2018
Antenna Time in Basel?
Basel-based AMAC is renowned for its completions and MRO work across a wide range of business
aircraft, but perhaps best known for its spectacular large-jet work, focussing on airframe sizes from ACJ/BBJ, right up to the
players in the industry, while it welcomes its customers’ aircraft for maintenance checks, AMAC typically also performs other tasks, often depending on the depth of maintenance required and frequently involving cabin
The company’s expertise extends
work and the list of its most recent
half involve antenna installations. Of
and the remainder cover the Rockwell
satellite TV services.
reckons it constitutes perhaps just 5%
principle of operation is similar to that employed today.”
The extent of modifi cation varies with antenna fi t but is invariably substantial for Ku and Ka-band systems. Roth Schmid/AMAC
AMAC|GUNNAR JANCKE
16 International | SUMMER 2018
the source satellite is little more than
antenna control system steers the unit
communications service as the aircraft manoeuvres.
dish antennas familiar from domestic
surfboard radome and a bubble radome
Tuning In
“From that perspective ours is just
we place the antenna have to be
The aerodynamic load is typically modelled on a computer and we also
would happen if the forward portion of
ripped away and hit the aircraft’s tail? For
typically cut from a scrapped aircraft and
computer simulation as an alternative to
of such an incident? “No. There’s been
know of.”
commonality between installations is in
vendors all employ the standard to some
a radome attached to the baseplate. The
our antenna installations and we build
Manoeuvring the radome into place is a hands-on operation.
SUMMER 2018 | International 17
AMAC|GUNNAR JANCKE
the antenna site and introduce a platform
can operate inside and out simultaneously.
ensure the work is completed within the
potential money spinner for a company
entirely dismiss the concept but admits
his department means he has no resource available for such developments.
had the opportunity to develop the
last year but haven’t yet been able to test
activate it – for us it represented an
it’s a development that seems entirely
installation represents such a small
what else is involved?
up with them.
a tool for the sheet metal work and it sits ready in a transport container ready for
a completely new set of paperwork.
since antenna position needs careful
Antenna installation is loft y work, as proven here on an A330 at AMAC’s Basel facility.
ARINC 791 provides a specifi cation applicable to all large antenna installations.
AMAC|GUNNAR JANCKE
18 International | SUMMER 2018
New Horizons for A-Group
Describing A-Group’s position in the business aviation market, Public Relations
Manager Oleg Ivanov says: “We have a strong lead, owning FBOs in Moscow and St Petersburg, and
every passenger while adhering to our core values: safety,
service delivery.”Through the second half of 2017 and
into the beginning of this year, A-Group undertook a sizeable infrastructure development programme in preparation for the 2108 FIFA World Cup. With an
high demand for aircraft parking and hangarage, the A-Group management team decided to build a new business and private aircraft apron at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport.
The work is complete and the apron ready to receive football stars and their fans in June. With 26 aircraft parking spaces, it’s close to the VIP terminal and conveniently positioned for taxiway and
order; a new hangar and A-Group’s helipad are also close by. The 16,500m2 hangar complex accommodates up to 30 mid-size jets and the hangars are equipped with modern utilities and fail-safe security systems. They incorporate
space for airline representatives and
Meanwhile, the apron at the company’s Pulkovo FBO at St Petersburg
35 new parking spaces capable of accommodating aircraft as large as the Airbus A380.
SheremetyevoSheremetyevo, Russia’s largest and most developed airport, has received
multiple awards for its best-in-Europe punctuality and service. It is also the closest of Moscow’s airports to the city centre and boasts the best access – a pleasant drive along the new high-speed M11 highway. Arrival by helicopter is a more elegant option, however, via the dedicated helipad next door to the VIP terminal. A-Group was the first FBO in Russia to offer a helicopter transfer service.
Designed and built to the highest standards, Sheremetyevo’s Terminal A is believed to be the most modern business aviation facility in Russia. With an eye to the future, it facilitates exceptional service for passengers and crew, while customers regularly reach their aircraft’s steps just a couple of minutes after leaving their car, even
formalities.Bright with natural light, the spacious
check-in desks; two customs, border and passport control booths, for departures and arrivals; and a duty-free store.
aircraft movements.
A-GROUP|OLEG IVANOV
20 International | SUMMER 2018
Customers with urgent business to complete have a choice of VIP rooms, while the grand conference room is equipped for press meetings,
which can be held in complete privacy. Meanwhile, crews aren’t forgotten, since all the amenities are available for them to be rested and prepared ready for
access to all the information required for
Sheremetyevo also incorporates several world-renowned network hotels, including Radisson Blu, Sheraton, Novotel, Holiday Inn and Park Inn, for customers spending a little more time at the airport, while A-Group’s FBO is fully integrated into
ensures seamless slot allocation and the
PulkovoA-Group’s St Petersburg terminal celebrated its fifth anniversary in March 2018. Known as Pulkovo Terminal A, it was built in 1951 to plans by architect Alexander Gegello, then renovated for A-Group in 2013. Historical design and details have been carefully preserved, but at the same time modern technologies
ensuring comfort, safety and security were installed. Today it offers spacious lounges, meeting rooms and a large conference room, impressively finished in marble.
A dedicated helipad close to the terminal makes for easy transfer between helicopter and jet, with most rotary
Karelia or Latvia.A-Group has two St Petersburg
hangars, capable of taking as many as 12 mid-size jets. The renewed apron is suitable for aircraft as large as the Boeing 747 BBJ.
Handling with Care
particularly important and to minimise delay, A-Group operates its own ground handling, providing a full range of services including de-icing and
cleaning, washing, towing, refuelling, ground power supply, crew transport, catering and supervisor services.
provider of de-icing at Sheremetyevo
vehicles. Thus, it serves not only business jets, but also airliners and freighters.
Football TestOver 12 years of operations, A-Group has built the largest business aviation infrastructure in Russia and become a serious and respected player in the international market – it welcomes business aviation professionals to visit its EBACE booth at location B75, to learn more about its operations and what it has to offer.
Recognising that Russia will become an international football mecca in June, Nadezhda Turovskaya, A-Group’s Public Relations and Marketing Director, comments: “I’m proud that we have a part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a landmark event for our country. Our customers will include honoured guests
course, teams. It will be a serious test for our FBOs, and I’m certain that we’ll deliver. At the same time, we’ll continue
our services.”
SUMMER 2018 | International 21
A-GROUP|OLEG IVANOV
Avinode: Charting the Path to Online Charter
I t’s been just over a year since Oliver King took over from Niklas Berg as CEO of the Avinode Group, becoming
founder of the company to step into the role. His main challenge?
marketplace globally, an achievement
its recent US statistics.
to Thanksgiving 2017, Avinode reported
US compared to the previous year. At that point (November), the company
year-on-year.
Asia and Latin America has proved less
out to be an ‘interesting’ market for us,
Reports of the massive expansion that
activity in the region.“One of its largest
markets, China, is very
other markets around Asia, such as Thailand and Indonesia, have proven very successful. What Avinode has played a role in doing is making the demand that exists in the US and Europe visible to operators pioneering
coming in commercially on a long-haul
In 2017, the Asian Business Aviation
company the title ‘Best Business Service
During ABACE in April this year,
for arrivals into Asian airports made through its platform rose by 43% from
Interestingly, China overtook India to become the second most popular destination for arrivals in Asia in terms
70.6% across the aforementioned period. For domestic departures, Chinese airports climbed from the fourth to the
America is the third largest market in
to a contraction of the industry, Avinode decided to reduce its presence.
King doesn’t see this as a major concern, since his company is focusing on much more than the geographical
for charter through the marketplace globally, and you need to be at that level
interesting from a technology point
experiments looking at empty-leg pricing, making recommendations
has investigated chartering an aircraft or delivering additional
if they might re-consider their decision.
AVINODE|OLIVER KING
22 International | SUMMER 2018
the kind of movie-level AI behind the
looking for could be managed by AI in
Despite being a technology company, Avinode is keen to make sure its platform
customer service, something it has prided
be very surprised if the industry does not remain multi-channel throughout my
customers to look for charter on a mobile device, PC or on the phone.
“The phone is still pretty important in terms of delivering service, particularly
think the London Biggin Hill to Nice-type segment is certainly very ripe to have a high percentage of bookings
but as you come out of that segment the complexity drastically increases and
fashioned voice servicing comes into play.“Also, just because somebody is
talking to a broker over the phone, it doesn’t mean that the technology or the process the agent is using to service the customer has stayed the same. The industry has been very paper driven over the years, but the same tools and systems that have been developed to deliver a front-end digital experience for customers can be increasingly applied
a journey is organised by the broker or
operator on their behalf. Just because you don’t see it, it doesn’t mean there’s not a
Payment Options
has innovated to be rid of the traditional paper trail. At NBAA in 2016, the company launched PayNode,
on the table for him.
across Europe in June. When asked if
SUMMER 2018 | International 23
AVINODE|OLIVER KING
In the US market, a much higher percentage of air charter is paid for
bank payments.“We did a very soft launch because
and brokers in the European sector to
needs are.
environment you have to almost constantly refresh your bank account
received so that you can go to the pilot and give them the go-ahead. That’s
transfer product, but King says certain companies are about to begin a beta testing period, so they can provide feedback and help improve the service
After some initial exploration,
a less important area of focus. “I think
As visibility and regulation comes in, I
cryptocurrency as part of their payment
too early for us.“We’ve been talking to customers
and by and large there’s been almost
bought a single cryptocurrency just to
that, I don’t think it represents a serious
SchedAeroThe third card left on King’s
based fleet management company, SchedAero, into a product relevant for increasingly large US operators. It’s safe to say King has been delivering
300 updates during 2017 alone.
PayNode integration and automatic
common airports. Based on customer feedback, in 2018
SchedAero is planning to strengthen its Pilot Compliance capability, develop
bring an end to printing, scanning and manually signing a document.
reveals Avinode is also thinking about
development of the business aviation industry. “At the moment there’s a lot of
collaboration across the industry a more
“The numbers of manual interactions
ground is very high. It still involves a mixture of emails, telephone calls and even faxes in some instances. A lot of
aviation companies, in getting an electronic backbone to run across multiple players in the industry across
That’s some real blue sky thinking,
instantaneous pricing on shorter, simpler journeys, King says the next logical step is to combine the instantaneous pricing
actually prime our industry for its next
get your product in a digital, repeatable form, you then have the ability to
existence is anything to go by, it might just achieve everything they hoped to.
AVINODE|OLIVER KING
24 International | SUMMER 2018
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Magellan JetsSafe, Specifi c, Superior Service
Just a decade ago, Joshua Hebert established Magellan Jets with the aim of changing the private travel experience through a purely private,
personalised customer approach and unwavering commitment to safety.
Hebert began his career in investment banking on Wall Street at Shearson Lehman Brothers, moving on to Sand Brothers and then Paine Webber (today UBS). He subsequently transitioned to advertising, leading the marketing team at America City Business Journals.
In 2000, he founded Jets.com, an online auction for bizjet charter prior to the rise of technology in the private aviation space. Eight years later he sold the company and founded Magellan Jets, melding his passion for aviation and
start-ups, transformations, search engine optimisation, and marketing has enabled him to grow Magellan Jets into the brand it is today.
The company has been recognised in the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, Boston Business Journal’s Pacesetters (now Fast 50) list, and as one of SmartCEO’s Future 50. Launch of the One Way Leg
enabling clients to manage their travel
with one device, is among Hebert’s most innovative accomplishments.
EVA caught up with him at Magellan’s Quincy, Massachusetts headquarters.
How were you introduced to
I had a customer in the advertising business who owned a couple of private planes. His son was creating the technology for a reverse-type auction for business aviation and asked me to run the sales and marketing. I saw an
a partner, get equity in and grow a company. It was a risk to leave a full-
step into entrepreneurship and proved to be worth it.
We grew the company together, at a time when people were really friendly to private aviation. We were the only company with an online portal where customers could get quotes and so we grew rather fast. When I left it was about $40 million I think – I retired for a year and a half based on non-competes and non-disclosures, and then started Magellan Jets with Anthony Tivnan.
of the big parts of my job at my prior company was to go out and see customers, retain relationships and put
what people really wanted in a product. I built a business plan around eight years of what customers had been telling me they wanted; but we couldn’t achieve that at my previous company. I realised customers were complaining about jet services because of the economic crisis and the suppliers couldn’t spend as much money as they thought they should.
people came into the business we grew, every year, while everyone else was shrinking. So, what company did people want to do business with? The one that was growing and adding services, talent and people, or one that was shrinking and
safety standards than the competition, spearheading some of the most comprehensive guidelines for aircraft and operator safety in the industry.
I think the secret to success is the people you hire, the culture. We have 15,000sqft with 12ft ceilings. We designed
line. The kitchen is the biggest room in
PROFILE|
International |
have games and beer fridges, golf, TVs
rooms, but then we also have small thinkpad conference rooms. It’s about keeping the people that you work with happy, which isn’t always easy. But if they’re happy, the customer can be happy.
support department, which handles all
FAA pilots. Most companies hire service people from the Four Seasons or the Ritz – great service people – and train them in aviation. We hire pilots and teach them service. We think it’s important for them to really understand aviation safety when they’re talking to pilots and looking
Never to sell anything, but always to
travel solution, even if that meant pointing them in another direction. It’s helped us build and maintain trust over the years. When we were starting the company, there was a year when we didn’t speak to customers. They’d call and ask if I could help them out and I’d say, “Unfortunately, not. I’ll give you a call when we are equal to or better than everyone else that you are doing business with.”
We use two third-party auditing agencies, Wyvern and Argus, and there are probably 5,000 operators to whom we have access. Last year we only used 80 and, based on our safety standards, we could only use about 120.
We make sure pilots have the proper time in type and time in total. We’re
passionate about both – we need 300 hours
is that we have an insurance policy under which we have to adhere to our safety standards or lose the policy.
We are. We have one gentleman in our Preferred Network department and that’s solely what he does. We also vet operators on a daily basis. Todd Weeber,
15,000 hours in Citation X training. He
all about aviation and safety. We’ve been doing that for almost 19 years and never had an incident. We’re not the cheapest, but we are certainly the safest.
| International
PROFILE|JOSHUA HEBERT
management team says change is good and that’s a high for me.
We’re just one of the industry
companies in this space, and every year we see growth. There’s a lot of room in the sky and a lot of congestion on the roads. The other thing is that even the operating costs of a VLJ are high. But our biggest worry is that we’ll have a pilot shortage. It’s a serious issue.
I see planes becoming more autonomous and while I don’t think we’ll have planes with no pilots in the
the redundancy of two, so I don’t see us going there anytime soon.
special 10-hour jet cards, available in the last ten days of each quarter. It’s a nice way for people to try out our service, because the threshold of our space is usually 25 hours. And we’re launching
series of events, including one with Worth Avenue Yachts. We’re doing promotions with them throughout the year.
We’re talking with a company similar to Uber. I can’t tell you their name because we’re under NDA, but we’re talking about doing a strategic
and looking at drone companies that we really like. We see the future being in drones. Magellan is not just a private jet company, it’s also a transportation company. With the arrival of drones, our life is going to become way more transactional on the transportation side. For the last year, a good 25% of our conversations were about how we help consumers with drone transportation.
want it, then you don’t pay for it. It’s a huge feature of our company and a big reason people come to us.
I think the bigger, better companies will have less AI than everybody’s talking about and more people, because people want to talk to people. Look at the banking world: it got so big you could never get a person on the phone. Now we have personal bankers coming into
they’re the bank down the street. I think technology plays a huge part internally
the customer, but it should be 25% of the
should be coming from people.
I think we’re all fascinated by aviation/private aviation because it’s a
to change. But what we also really love is growth. We’ve grown on average 36% over the last ten years. Our management team doesn’t mind solving issues. They don’t mind change. I’m getting older and kind of get sick of change, but my
Depending on their routings and how
not appropriate for most people and we think membership is the way. We look for customers who already own a plane. Let’s say they have a G450 and their business partner needs it but it’s down in Florida; then it’s down for maintenance 25% of the year or everybody wants to use it on the busiest days… Instead, you buy a 50-hour card on a G450 with us.
always give you one. Something I found is that when someone buys a BMW, they want to drive a BMW. They don’t want a Mercedes because they’re not used to it. That’s why people who own planes usually come to us, because we’re one of
We’re over-infrastructured and always have been. We could probably increase sales or revenue by a 100% today and not need to add another person.
We did a lot of work in China for
level of service there compared to the US a problem. There are also substantially fewer aircraft than in the US, but the major problem in Asia is the lack of airports, although the region’s charter market is still growing.
store in 2011. Now we also have our Global Card web app. It enables
they actually want – customers don’t
them. In our programme, if you don’t
PROFILE|
International |
Global Jet:
Bjorn Naberhuis, Global Jet Vice President
for Business Development
GLOBAL JET|BJORN NABERHUIS
32 International | SUMMER 2018
Established in 1999/2000, Geneva-based Global Jet has
“We have an open-door policy, which means everyone, including senior management and the founders, has worked directly with clients. As we’ve grown we’ve assembled teams and departments, but we still see people who were here at the very
even harder than the rest of us – which is admirable and contributes to the continuous development and growth of the company – it shows that Global Jet management really cares.
“For us it’s not only about managing an aircraft, which today is more and more challenging to do, it’s still mainly about managing clients. Customers are unlikely to stay with one aircraft their whole life, they’ll have their ups and downs and we’ll adapt to that. Whenever we’ve seen an economic downturn,
the future, think long term. Clients may look to buy
might want to go smaller, or bigger, but whatever happens, we’ll be trying to keep them with to us.’”
aircraft types, with a willingness to take on more. It generates obvious maintenance and training challenges that Naberhuis readily acknowledges. “People say it’s not really a clever way to work. And it’s true in a way, it makes for a complex operation and there’s a reason why we aren’t the cheapest, but then again, we can handle anything. If a BBJ2 client decides to buy a Mustang, we can manage it. If a Mustang owner wants a new aircraft, we’re likely to
in the past, or we’ll simply adapt. We’ve developed
ourselves, but for the client we’re the best, because we always have the answer.
“Many of our clients, just like the company, which started out as a charter-only operation, don’t have an aircraft at all. Historically, if they
do step up to ownership, we manage the aircraft for them. As regulatory control has tightened, it’s
only management, but also purchasing advice and help with cabin design, so our clients don’t have to go anywhere else.
that we outsource our maintenance and handling to other organisations. We’re also one of the few companies that’s not married to particular providers. If a client wants to use a certain handler
that’s not a problem. We’ll have company-preferred providers, but it’s the client who decides. Ultimately, we know exactly what’s required, but leave it up to our fellow professionals.” We audit our service providers on a regular basis, keeping their work with our clients up to our standards.
In-house ExpertiseAlthough Naberhuis says Global Jet is content to leave handling and maintenance to other organisations, the company retains a wealth of experience and expertise in-house. Almost a dozen maintenance managers ensure its aircraft are kept in perfect condition, while several members of the management team have been with Global Jet for many years and amassed huge frontline experience.
we have someone who wants to charter a Phenom 300, for example, and the operator says it’ll do the trip non-stop. Our operations experts might say,
guaranteed.’ We have the deep product knowledge required to give accurate advice and answers.
experience and a name that is representable. Whenever I speak to a client I can be proud of what Global Jet’s done in the past and give honest, expert opinions. Because we aren’t linked to any particular
is better than another, we just advise on what’s best for each client.
look at this.’ And it’s because of this openness and expertise that people respect us and recognise Global Jet as unique.”
Dassault’s Falcon series takes a
prominent position within Global Jet’s
managed fl eet, which is nonetheless
surprisingly varied. Aurélien Bergot/Global Jet
SUMMER 2018 | International 33
GLOBAL JET|BJORN NABERHUIS
know an operator or jet, we won’t book it. It’s the only way to be safe and for us safety goes everywhere.” It’s an easy boast to make, but in fact, Global Jet has extended its safety net, equipping its crews to care for clients far beyond delivering exceptional service. Flight crews have 24-hour call-in access to an emergency operator for real-time medical assistance through a deal with
risk analysis. “We have contracts with specialist companies that deliver these
I believe they help make us the safest company in the world.
“Sometimes people tell me we’re expensive. I don’t believe that. We do everything we can to give our clients the ultimate travel experience. We ensure everything is ready, we’re always well informed and always ready to react if there’s an issue. I think the business in
travel at an appropriate price. It’s not about selling a product and taking the money, it’s about keeping a client long
experience’.”
II/100ft. It means our crews can land in very low visibility and you could argue that it’s something they might encounter no more than twice a year and they could divert. But look at it the other way around. If they’ve had that training they
safer. It means our training programme is perhaps a little more intense, a little more expensive, but that’s how it has to be.
“We’ve also introduced crew resource management training for everyone in the company. Whether they’re the sales people on the phone, key account managers, cleaners, cabin crew or pilots,
we go through real situations that have
safety. As a result, our people provide better service because they never sell a
stop to be sure, just in case of… because then if an airport closes, or the weather’s bad, we’ll know you’re going to be safe.’
“Our quality control is external, it’s not part of Global Jet, it’s a separate company that audits us. And if we don’t
Of course, what really keeps the folk at Global Jet busy is satisfying their
we start planning immediately. If it’s to
there’ll be a series of emails and calls to check and double check various aspects, along with constant interaction as we keep the client up to date, with a crew change perhaps, or an airport that’s closed.
into Geneva by video call. We brief on weather and other operational aspects for
aircraft. It means we can pre-advise clients if it’s going to be very foggy in
to cause issues in Moscow, and we can prepare by loading extra fuel and revising
“It’s crucial to delivering our service.
they need to reach their destination at the time they planned. I never think about whether they’re meeting someone important or just traveling for leisure. It’s important they’re on time – one minute late for an appointment and they might miss out on a deal or a political decision for their country. So, whatever the client or destination, whether they choose a Mustang or a BBJ, there’s a reason why
“As a company we also have lots of safety systems in place to protect our clients’. I know that everyone has systems in place, but I’ve worked for other companies and in all honesty, I believe that Global Jet has its safety policy really well worked out. Safety
the Operations Control Centre, followed by crew training in our specially adapted
we have our company standards, set out, well vested and enforced, often ahead of Global Jet takes pride in recognising and discretely satisfying its clients’ needs.
Aurélien Bergot/Global Jet
GLOBAL JET|BJORN NABERHUIS
34 International | SUMMER 2018
MRX = MRO Made Easy
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) software, available from several suppliers, typically includes multiple, selectable
modules managing and recording various aspects of aircraft maintenance. They’re typically highly integrated systems, and while they can make economic sense for smaller
with the airlines and larger MROs. Working out of Luxembourg, MRX Systems has
developed an MRO software fully compatible with smaller organisations, just as it’s also applicable to larger
designed for smaller organisations?No, they’re for professional operators whatever their
[continuous airworthiness management organisations] and Part 145 maintenance organisations, with all types
I well understand why someone might think we
though, because some of our competitors’ solutions are
aviation maintenance business product, with a focus
MRO and logistics management as an integrated, real-
Isn’t it true that a software-managed maintenance system is only as good as the data entered into it? How are new clients’ paper
entered into the system?
their expert eyes to record the information while also
The service is cloud based – how is it accessed?
allowing 24/7 worldwide access to anyone with the
Sync’ before beginning their operational day to retrieve
connectivity and data can be sent once Wi-Fi/4G/3G/
MRX SYSTEMS|ARNAUD VERON
36 International | SUMMER 2018
Is the system able to alert them of forthcoming maintenance events?
Yes, it retrieves the due list with the next airworthiness limitations, displayed with a colour coded
and accounting departments?
[application programming interface] that enables customers to bridge our solution to third-party systems,
With the help of two customer partners, we’re
go, through iPads or other devices? That’s exactly our concept, to provide mobile device
Do these interface with the cloud in real time? The whole solution is based on a real-time
maintenance on the other side of the world and anyone
Does the system employ barcoded job cards or parts labels to provide an auditable ‘paper trail’ of work done?
SUMMER 2018 | International 37
MRX SYSTEMS|ARNAUD VERON
The system doesn’t use barcoded job cards since this
contains all the necessary information and transfers all input back to the cloud server, including details of man
incoming part into an inventory, the system generates
What’s the eTechlog solution?It’s a separate app intended to replace the paper
among the early pioneers and has been approved and
What’s the eJobCard solution?
From the iPad, a technician can clock in and out of the company and access his/her planned activity for the day, including the list of projects and job cards to be
system checks that used tools and parts are appropriate, that is, serviceable, with shelf life remaining for parts,
card with a handwritten signature on the device, and
The result is the automatic generation of a pdf document including all recorded information,
feature alone can save thousands of man hours per year,
hours are recorded automatically and available in a
What’s Blue Log?
and MRO modules, for the automatic recording of information from pilot/technician logbooks and its
aside for a while as we dedicate resources to other projects, but we plan to re-activate it soon, using the
We’ll keep doing what we do best, developing new
next step in that process is to build a new module for
Quick Flight Mode that will enable an even easier and
|ARNAUD VERON
38 International | SUMMER 2018
MRX SYSTEMS|ARNAUD VERON
A R E F L E C T I O N O F E X C E L L E N C E
TAG Farnborough AirportDesign and people working beautifully togetherThe purpose-built airport for BUSINESS, for PRIVACY, for LONDON
tagfarnborough.com
Avanti the Future! What brought
you to Piaggio?” “It’s a long story!” Renato Vaghi, CEO, laughs.
He’s spent most of his 30-year career in aviation and the majority of that in the Italian aerospace industry. “For most of the time I was with the former Alenia Aeronautica and Aermacchi, which eventually merged and today have been absorbed into Leonardo. I was with them between the early 1990s and 2014, with the exception of a couple of years where I
worked outside the aerospace
couldn’t resist at Aermacchi, in 1998, and left for Piaggio in 2014.
“Initially working as Head of Programmes, I looked after development of the Hammerhead UAV, before taking responsibility for aircraft production in 2015. Early in 2016 I was appointed
2016 I became CEO. I’m also chairman of Piaggio America.”
AvantiToday, Piaggio’s primary aircraft product is the twin-turboprop Avanti EVO. The P.180 Avanti first appeared
in the early 1990s, the result of an initial collaboration between the Italian company and Gates Learjet, although the latter withdrew from the programme in the second half of the 1990s. Your correspondent first met an Avanti at an ILA airshow in Berlin, sometime in the mid-1990s; it was instantly distinctive for its unique configuration and futuristic design. EBACE attendees glancing at this article during the show might take the opportunity to visit the Avanti EVO – or simply ‘the EVO’ – that Piaggio has in the static display. It’s instantly distinctive for its unique configuration and futuristic design…
Chiara Saitta/Piaggio Aerospace
PIAGGIO|RENATO VAGHI
40 International | SUMMER 2018
Vaghi says: “Whenever we go to trade shows we have people asking if the aircraft’s already in production! Its appearance is a selling point, it looks so ‘Italian’, but its looks are also an enabler to its fantastic performance.” There’s no doubting the truth in Vaghi’s words, but there’s also no denying that the aircraft hasn’t been the hottest seller, creating something of a contradiction for Piaggio’s marketing people.
“One of my primary focuses as CEO over the past 18 months or so has been to ensure the market has an awareness of the P.180. Although we’ve sold around 250 aircraft and accumulated
think there’s space for more P.180s? Yes, of course.”
Could it be then, that the Avanti’s turboprop powerplant deceives the market into pigeon-holing it with other propeller-driven aircraft of similar capacity, in particular the King Air and PC-12? “It has propellers, but I wouldn’t compare it with the King Air 350 or PC-12, which are very respectable products. The King Air has sold enormous volumes in the past and continues to sell well today, while the
You only have to get into an Avanti to tell that it’s really in another category again. Its performance means it must be compared to a light jet, it’s actually closer to a Phenom 300 than a King Air or PC-12.
“There are various reasons why the company hasn’t done as well in sales in the past as it should, but I’m certain we’ll sell more P.180s. Over the past two years, our shareholders have given us great support as we created our new industrial plan, which has the Avanti as one of its pillars. We inaugurated a new production facility in Villanova three years ago and the only way to make that work is for us to sell and build a lot of aeroplanes. That’s our strategy.
“It’s about creating market awareness, making sure the customer appreciates the value in the P.180. I appreciate that it can be seen as a niche product within business aviation, but as oil prices
an Avanti once to realise what it’s about.
jet, not only the speed, but the comfort and low noise levels. You can whisper,
and your neighbour will hear, you don’t feel vibration and the aircraft is smooth in turbulence.”
On the face of it, asking the CEO of the company that builds it how the
negative response, but Vaghi reinforces his claims with a customer story. “We recently gave some potential customers a
after. They were sceptical about the trip – they’d just had a frightful, turbulent landing in a large aircraft and when they got into the EVO it was still very cloudy and turbulent.
they were totally ecstatic about the aircraft’s performance. They said it had behaved far better than the airliner. It was a real testament to the aircraft’s
buy one? “Hopefully…”
EVO Evolution?Hailed on Piaggio’s website as ‘The latest chapter in the story of an aviation legend…’, The Avanti EVO introduced improved range, speed and climb performance with
Power for the EVO comes from a pair of Pratt &
Whitney Canada PT6A-66B turboprops.
Paul Cordwell/Piaggio Aerospace
SUMMER 2018 | International 41
PIAGGIO|RENATO VAGHI
is new business models emerging in the West. I think they’ll drive an emerging
I believe we’re seeing the start of something where business aviation is no longer restricted to an elite, it’s being brought to a larger public.
hour, per passenger need to be pushed
we have today. Look at it from this perspective and the need for performance, and I think Piaggio has an advantage. We just need to make our product lighter and
improved powerplant – and that’s a big platform change that we’d need to think very carefully about – to be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the emerging market.”
have the same supplier. It’s not a limiting factor on the EVO today; and although we’re progressively improving it and planning the next big step, I’m not in a position to release a timeline.”
Considering Renato Vaghi’s enthusiasm for the Avanti and his determination to see its unique performance residing with many more customers, the aircraft ought to have a bright future, potentially in an even more advanced form. But after almost three decades, Piaggio still has to convince some elements of the market that within the Avanti’s dramatic exterior is a business aircraft of unusual, even unexpected capability.
As he looks to the challenge, Vaghi says: “I’ve been particularly encouraged
minimal effect on running costs, along with new cabin standards and other enhancements. The result was a significantly better aircraft, but first customer delivery was in spring 2015 – is Piaggio considering the next chapter yet?
“We’re seeing more and more appreciation from customers using the EVO, which adds strengths compared to the Avanti II. In particular, its improvement in ground operation is valued very highly by pilots and operators and remedies an aspect of the original aircraft considered a weak point. Climb rate is improved through the addition of winglets, a new undercarriage lowers maintenance costs and, most importantly, new propellers and exhausts lower the aircraft’s noise signature and get it back into airports that banned the Avanti II.
“But we work constantly to improve the product and we have several projects under way, working to enhance performance through reducing empty
in extreme conditions, including cold weather, which is something we’re prioritising because of customer requests.
“We should have a service bulletin for
a timeline for a new avionics version yet. We feel it’s an important step in an aircraft’s life and right now we’ve given priority to customer suggestions, recognising that once we have new avionics we’ll be going down the path of the King Air, which recently introduced
The Avanti EVO. Paul Cordwell/Piaggio Aerospace
Paul Cordwell/Piaggio Aerospace
PIAGGIO|RENATO VAGHI
42 International | SUMMER 2018
WELCOME TO
Here you don’t just land, you arrive!
There are many reasons to choose Eccelsa Aviation for your trips to Sardinia · The only real FBO in Olbia· State-of-the-art dedicated Business Executive Terminal· Gateway to Costa Smeralda and Sardinia since 1963 *· 3 km from the Marina of Olbia and 25 km from Porto Cervo· Complete under the wing services for aircraft up to A340 and B747· Tailored passenger services· Full plannig for crew stay(s) at preferential rates· Hangarage recovery· Maintenance service in cooperation with Meridiana Maintenance· Slot- and PPR-free landing and take-off **· Great value-for-money services and easy payment methods· Award-winning professional and experienced multi-language staff However, you can forget about all of them.In fact, what you’ll really appreciate is how you will feel. And that’s all the difference between simply landing and truly arriving.
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Headquartered alongside its Geneva FBO, TAG Aviation Europe also operates FBOs at Sion, Farnborough and on Malta. Unusual among business aviation service providers, alongside
actively avoid. TAG Aviation Europe President
as TAG USA and the shareholders subsequently
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now the TAG Group includes three separate divisions within
learn private aviation, you went to TAG and then decided what
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TAG AVIATION EUROPE |GRAHAM WILLIAMSON & FLORENT SERIES
44 International | SUMMER 2018
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Account and TAG Lease options, apparently so easy to understand that their titles pretty
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idea is that the client should be just one click
bespoke product, whether an automobile, hotel stay
need to be competitive, but we still have customers
TAG AVIATION EUROPE |GRAHAM WILLIAMSON & FLORENT SERIES
46 International | SUMMER 2018
MAKE YOUR WISH ANDWE’LL MAKE IT HAPPEN
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TAG AVIATION EUROPE |GRAHAM WILLIAMSON & FLORENT SERIES
48 International | SUMMER 2018
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Headquartered in Switzerland, RUAG boasts core competencies across civil and military markets, supporting
land, sea and air defence operations, space and commercial and business aviation. The company has manufacturing expertise in aerostructures and across a range of high-tech engineering; it is also recognised as the OEM for the Dornier 228 utility turboprop.
RUAG is renowned for its advanced painting
capabilities. Sebastien Brillais/RUAG
Deep maintenance is performed on a wide
variety of aircraft types, including the Dornier 328.
PROFILE|RUAG
50 International | SUMMER 2018
On the Line
Alongside its engineering and painting excellences, RUAG also boasts EASA Part 21J Design Organization Approval.
SUMMER 2018 | International 51
PROFILE|RUAG
State-of-the-art Solutions
DORNIER LEGACYIn the period between the world wars, Germany’s Dornier established aircraft production and test facilities in Switzerland. From there it developed a series of pioneering commercial aircraft , whose DNA continued into the 1980s’ Do 228 and 1990s’ Do 328. RUAG has inherited elements of that Dornier legacy and its Bern location specialises in engineering, MRO and aircraft remarketing of the Dornier 328.
Today the 328 is recognised as a rugged, versatile aircraft , available in a range of equipment fi ts, including VIP transport, and with either turboprop or turbofan powerplant. “Our 328 services have earned us an excellent reputation in the market,” says Simon Hafele, General Manager Site Bern-Belp, , “as well as with the OEM. And, of course, our one-stop shop services apply to the Dornier 328 too.”
Moreover, RUAG is now recognised as the OEM of the Dornier 228 turboprop, for which it provides complete support, including MRO, interior and exterior services, and all system integration and avionics upgrades, from its facilities in Munich/Oberpfaff enhofen and the Authorised Service Centre in Bern.
As well as remarketing the aircraft , RUAG off ers a complete set of servicing options for the Dornier 328. Wolfgang Lackner/RUAG
RUAG was fi rst in Europe to complete 2020 ADS-B avionics compliance modifi cation on a Challenger 601.
PROFILE|RUAG
52 International | SUMMER 2018
www.bernairport.ch
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Non-stop to the heart of SwitzerlandBern Airport is the airport serving Berne, the capital city of Switzerland. Its location is in the heart of Switzerland which enables an easy, fast and stress-free access to business locations in Fribourg, Neuchâtel or Vevey. Furthermore, Swiss touristic attractions such as the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, Jungfrau or Lucerne, and the world-famous skiresorts of Gstaad and Grindelwald can be reached in less than 90 minutes.
No slots required1.730 m grooved runwayShort distances - ready for start-up in less than 5 minutesLocal helicopter and limousine service companies for smooth transfersCustoms and border guardsOwn FBO, crew rest area, refuelling and caterings services
Geneva40’ 105’
Lausanne30’ 75’
VeveyMontreux
25’ 75’
Verbier30’ 115’
Zermatt35’ 150’
Gstaad20’ 85’
Interlaken15’ 45’
Lucerne25’ 80’
Zurich30’ 85’
Basel25’ 85’
Neuchâtel15’ 60’
Fribourg15’ 40’
Klosters-Davos60’ 190’
St. Moritz60’ 230’
Lugano50’ 195’
Andermatt35’ 135’
INMARSAT & SATCOM DIRECT|MICHAEL RACK & MICHAEL SKOU CHRISTENSEN
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W W W . M E B A A . A E R O
10-12 DECEMBER 2018D W C , A I R S H O W S I T E
Celebrating a Connected Decade
On 21 February, Inmarsat celebrated Satcom Direct’s
in support of its IP-based SwiftBroadband (SBB) data service
SD as an aerospace distribution licence partner in 2008, the latter
beyond merely reselling to its business, government and military aviation customers.
The two companies have actually worked closely together for 20 years and the relationship continues to
that are perhaps even more important
entered the market in 1997. Michael
on providing stellar customer support is such an important component to the
partner. People willing to go all out to support the customer.
coordinating customer communication.”
means to develop its own product line.
giving us the advantage of understanding
our worldwide aviation footprint. When
Inmarsat and SD are planning for a future in which connectivity requirements go way beyond the cabin
SUMMER 2018 | International 55
INMARSAT & SATCOM DIRECT|MICHAEL RACK & MICHAEL SKOU CHRISTENSEN
without its challenges. Christensen
and then deciding how to work together to supply that. We work with a variety of aviation customers from military
develop new services. The challenge for all of us is keeping up with the changing demands of the market place.” From
say the major challenge is competition.
partners keeps everyone on their game.
why we need other partners…”
a trusted rapport that ensures we add value for our customers and remain dedicated to supporting the growth of
desire to provide the services it wants to the aviation community.”
SBB Future?service to continue for years to come. Jet ConneX is the perfect solution for mid- to
those services in conjunction with them.”
the solution of choice for larger jets
largest value-added reseller of the Jet
support our customers with a deep
email and telephone response times.
our customers depends on what their mission needs are. This is what drives our counsel.
INMARSAT & SATCOM DIRECT|MICHAEL RACK & MICHAEL SKOU CHRISTENSEN
56 International | SUMMER 2018
what the Jet ConneX tail-mounted
are much higher and those that have
aviation users travelling long range.”
Another Decade?
not standing still. Michael Rack reveals that its long-anticipated European
prices will increase.
to deliver more information via the network comes the increasing need to
monitoring services.
for connectivity will develop across all
to supersonic jets. We hope to work
in developing services that satisfy the growing hunger for data.”
SUMMER 2018 | International 57
INMARSAT & SATCOM DIRECT|MICHAEL RACK & MICHAEL SKOU CHRISTENSEN
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The Southend Advantage
Princess Caroline of Brunswick, queen of the United Kingdom through her marriage to
George IV, albeit for less than two years from January 1820, visited Southend-on-Sea during her period as consort. A lady whom, judging by her Wikipedia entry, would today be an avid social media user and darling of reality TV, Caroline set a precedent for VIP travel to the British seaside town that now centres on London Southend Airport.
Owned since 2008 by the Stobart Group, London Southend is around 40 miles from central London and serves its VIP and business aviation clientele through the Stobart Jet Centre FBO. The
or from the aircraft in many cases, thanks
while making much of its rapid road links into London, also draw attention to its exceptional, and frequent, rail service.
The airport has the capacity and enthusiasm to expand its presence in
the VIP and business aviation market. Speaking to EVA late in April, Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation noted just how far that will extends. “We had a terminal that was no longer in use, so we rebuilt it into a brand new FBO, which we started using in January. It’s
and bedrooms for crews, a beautiful lounge, boardroom with full audio-visual equipment and everything else you’d expect from a leading FBO.”
Stobart has chosen an ideal moment
hours for business aviation at other London airports, notably Stansted and Luton, reduced from June. Much of that
airports and Jones believes Southend is perfectly placed to grab its share. “We’re available 24/7 for private jets, every day. It’s a great opportunity for us. This year we’re targeting 2,000 private jet movements, but we’re already seeing an uplift in numbers; we’re a good way ahead of where we were this time last year and I’d be very surprised if we don’t make that 2,000 target and more.
“We’ve also got a number of operators basing their aircraft here, because we have plenty of hangar space. There’s a degree of capacity restraint around London already, even without the night closures. I ran Luton for several years and I know that from a private jet perspective it’s full and what space it has is being squeezed by its rapid growth as a commercial airport. There’s no real capacity at Heathrow, Gatwick or London City, which means
combination of great service, ample capacity and attractive pricing, and we can handle ACJs and 737-based BBJs, with hangar space adjacent to the FBO.”
Southend to LondonBut what about access to London?
Glyn Jones, CEO Stobart Aviation. Ruth Knight/Stobart Aviation
LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT|GLYN JONES
60 International | SUMMER 2018
Anyone who regularly drives on London’s motorway network knows that it’s something of a lottery. There’s a fast alternative on the train from Southend, but do bizjet passengers really transfer to the railway? “I was at the Jet Centre recently when a Challenger arrived. I was expecting the passengers to ask either: ‘Where’s the helicopter?’ or ‘Where’s the car?’. There was a helicopter sitting just outside, but they asked how long it took to get to the station.” So, passengers really do use the train, and crews even more so.
“As far as the roads are concerned, on a good day it takes an hour. On a bad day, it takes longer… But that’s no
from any of the alternative airports. I believe our surface access is just as good
“We also own and operate our own
into London, typically Battersea, but also the Isle of Dogs. The helicopter is also available for charter, should customers require more extensive use.”
Airport ServicesThe lack of timely airport services is a common complaint among FBO operators, a primary reason for them to occasionally fail in delivering the
standards to which they aspire and a frequent cause of grumbling in the cockpit. At Southend, the Stobart Group owns and operates the airport, FBO and associated services which, Jones says, brings considerable advantages.
“We ran a change management programme coincident with opening the new FBO and as a great, if somewhat practical example of how we make the
security screening as a potential issue. It’s not something that happens very often, but when it does, it needs to be handled
at doing their job in one environment and using them in another where they
completely separate screening facility.“London Southend Airport has a
reputation for delivering exceptional service. We intend to uphold that reputation and carry it over to the Jet Centre. You could ask: ‘What will happen when our commercial airline customers begin taking us towards capacity? Will we squeeze our business aviation clients and somehow manage
“We’ve joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation because I’m absolutely
determined that we’ve set ourselves up for the long term at the Jet Centre and we’ll continue serving our customers properly. If I need to go to the local authority and request an additional 10,000 movements to satisfy my
schools, then that’s what I’ll do.”If Stobart Aviation’s CEO has his
way, London Southend’s Jet Centre FBO is here for the duration and he’s determined that its standards be maintained even as the airport’s airline customers expand their presence. What then, are his primary challenges? “The weather,” he says, somewhat ruefully, but then any airport operator in the UK might list the country’s climate as a challenge. More seriously, he reckons its awareness.
complicated communications environment, where multiple vendors and services vie for the attention of people travelling and living in and
to get your product noticed among the clamour but we’re aware of that and we’re really getting stuck into the problem. We’re at EBACE and actively promoting awareness in the industry whenever we can. We’re absolutely alive to the problem and working hard
We had a terminal that was no longer in use, so we rebuilt it into a brand new FBO, which we started using in January
SUMMER 2018 | International 61
LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT|GLYN JONES
ASIAJet Aviation, Asia Pacifi c and Middle EastJet Aviation has completed its US$250-million acquisition of Hawker Pacific, a leading provider of aircraft sales, MRO, and fleet and FBO services across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. As a result, Jet Aviation adds 19 locations to its global network, including seven FBOs, 14 MRO facilities and more than 400,000sqft of hangar space. In excess of 800 employees will also become part of Jet Aviation.
EUROPEGeneva Airpark, SwitzerlandGeneva Airpark has continued to soar, recording a 20% increase in daily annual turnover in 2017. Compared to 2016, figures show a growth in the number of aircraft accommodated (+13%), the number of daily reservations (+12%) and the quantity of new customers acquired (+30%).
Roskilde Airport, Copenhagen, DenmarkRoskilde Airport reduced charges for all airport users by 7.2% from 1 April, placing it among the
cheapest airports for business jets in Denmark.
Solent Airport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, UKFollowing the opening of five new general aviation hangars in December last year, Fareham Borough Council has completed six business aircraft hangars at the former Daedalus Airfield site.
London Oxford Airport, UK
London Oxford Airport, ranked as the fifth busiest UK business airport and among the top 20 in Europe, is one of a handful of British business airports that have seen consistent growth since the financial crash of 2007.
According to Eurocontrol figures, London Stansted (with its five FBOs) leads the ‘most recovered’ list, with a 35% 10-year growth. London Oxford is a close second, with an overall 32% growth. London Luton Airport retains its crown as the number one airport for business aviation movements in the UK.
Weston Aviation, Humberside International Airport, North Lincolnshire, UKWeston Aviation, the UK and Ireland-based business aviation and FBO specialist, has announced continuous year-on-year growth of ad hoc aircraft activity at Humberside International Airport.
From opening at the airport in 2011, where there was previously no formal FBO facility, Weston Aviation has increased the airfield’s business aviation and cargo movements by 212%.
Jet Aviation, Asia Pacifi c and Middle East
News On The MoveFBO Round-up
Solent Airport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, UK
FIXED BASE OPERATIONS
62 International | SUMMER 2018
MIDDLE EASTHadid, Jinnah International Airport, PakistanHaving recently announced that it would enter FBO management at Riviera Airport, Italy, Hadid has expanded its network. It will manage and operate the FBO at Pakistan’s Jinnah International Airport. It’s undergoing significant renovation, after which Hadid will begin operations.
NORTH AMERICACYHU H-18 Services, Montreal Saint-Hubert, CanadaMontreal Saint-Hubert Airport’s CYHU H-18 Services FBO is relocating after selling its hangar space. It aims to break ground on a new 46,000sqft FBO complex, known as Aeroparc H-19, on private land close to the airport.
Million Air, Westchester County Airport, New YorkMillion Air has opened a state-of-the-art hangar in its corporate aviation complex at Westchester County Airport, New York. The 52,000sqft building is part of Million Air’s $80-million expansion and upgrade at the airport.
The two-storey hangar features 28ft high doors, capable of accommodating a Gulfstream G650. Its floors are heated with a high-tech radiant system that enables temperatures to be maintained for aircraft and personnel.
Million Air’s complex now has 84,000sqft of hangar floor and 7.25 acres of ramp space.
Phillips 66 AviationPhillips 66 Aviation has added five FBOs to its large US network: Anderson Municipal Airport,
serving Anderson, Indiana; Carlisle Municipal Airport, serving Carlisle, Arkansas, Exec Air Montana, serving Helena, Montana; Newport Regional Airport, serving Newport, Arkansas; and Torrington Municipal Airport, serving Torrington, Wyoming.
Livingston Executive Airport, LouisianaMichael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, has been selected to design and develop the new Livingston Executive Airport in Livingston, Louisiana.
Under the five-year contract, Michael Baker will provide aviation engineering services for the new general aviation airport, which will include a 5,000ft runway, flight service station, hangars and fuel facilities.
SUMMER 2018 | International 63
FIXED BASE OPERATIONS
Looking back at black and white photos from the early 1960s, it’s clear the architect responsible for
Costa Smeralda was equipped not only with a vision for its creation but also the unique ability to realise it. For around 50 years, Costa Smeralda has been renowned as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
Today, Eccelsa Aviation’s leading-edge FBO lays at its heart, just 4km from the brand-new Marina di Olbia, with its berthing and services for yachts of all sizes. Uniquely in the Mediterranean, a private transfer service between the Eccelsa Aviation terminal and the
begin their holiday within a few minutes of touching down, with no need for a long drive or helicopter transfer.
Opened in summer 2009 and still Olbia’s only FBO, the Eccelsa Aviation facility is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. From above it resembles a massive aircraft door while from ground level its clean, sleek lines seem to swoop skywards like giant wings. As passengers relax in the terminal’s cocoon-like comfort, its elegant lines and beautifully designed balance of
sense of absolute privacy and peace.Eccelsa Aviation, 100%
controlled by airport management company Geasar SpA, part of the Meridiana Group, combines utter professionalism with a touch of special charm that comes from
discerning, often celebrity, clients. Its customer-orientated ‘culture of service’ approach and problem-solving attitude are encapsulated in the can-do attitude
Led by General Manager Francesco Cossu, they tackle all customer requests, including the most unusual, with sheer passion on a daily basis. “Passenger numbers and plane movements have doubled since we launched in 2003 and
Cossu explains with a smile.“After all, in this industry service is
everything and within the boundaries of legality, goodwill and common sense, we always try to please our customers and ensure they leave our premises happy
the island or returning home. We’re all very much aware that our tourists are a vital asset, not only for Eccelsa and the
The numbers of a highly select visitors to the Costa Smeralda are sky-rocketing. These are folk who travel from all over the world to chill out on super yachts, in the dreamily exclusive villas along the coast or in the most exclusive hotels in Costa Smeralda and surrounding settlements.
The FBO terminal was built to service
of retail heaven, including a plethora of luxury brands selling unique products, including De Grisogono jewellery, Provasi luxury furniture, high-end men’s and women’s shoes, sunglasses, and the
producers in Europe. There is also a quality restaurant and conference hall, plus a San Marino Aircraft Registry
services to customers transiting the FBO during the summer.
The terminal is a glittering symphony of glass, steel and the beautiful local granite, and boasts a feature unique in Europe – an impressive outer wing that allows guests to access the terminal directly from their aircraft. The alternative is a short ride to or from the terminal in one Eccelsa’s modern Audi
team handles their luggage with the ultimate care. Meanwhile, the ‘wing’ accommodates aircraft as large as the 737BBJ and ACJ; tellingly, these large jets comprise around 5% of the FBO’s aircraft movements.
July and August are predictably the busiest months, with between 3,000 and 4,000 arrivals and departures monthly. Privacy, security and comfort are among the qualities these aircrafts’ passengers most appreciate about Eccelsa Aviation’s service.
And its work with the Marina di Olbia is very much a part of
passengers directly from touch down to their yachts and ensures
FBO PROFILE|ECCELSA AVIATION
64 International | SUMMER 2018
Switzerland’s Sensible, Central Alternative
Serving the Swiss capital, Bern Airport
for private jet users, not least its close proximity to multiple business centres and some of Switzerland’s primary ski slopes. Passengers and operators
also appreciate the facility’s slot availability, as CEO Mathias Gantenbein explains.
“Bern Airport does not have slot restrictions, which means passengers can travel at their preferred time within our long weekday opening hours of 07:00 to 22:00 – or slightly revised weekend times. And the airport’s location in the heart of Switzerland enables smooth, stress-free transfers to business locations including Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Lausanne and Montreux, and world-famous visitor destinations, among them Interlaken, Grindelwald and Gstaad. As a smaller regional airport, Bern also promises a friendly atmosphere and short
to 25 destinations across Europe, via Helvetic Airways and SkyWork Airlines, are also available.
Gantenbein says the airport is set up to facilitate helicopter movements. “Transfer from business jet to connecting
origin – Schengen or non-Schengen. Our handling agents are
available to help customers through customs and then drive them to their helicopter as required. The process takes no longer than 10 minutes, making it very attractive for passengers
state visitors. “Serving the nation’s capital city, Bern Airport
discretion for passengers. In addition, head-of-state and governmental convoys may be escorted by the police directly
MRO and ExpansionBern also offers MRO provision, from Airmatec, which specialises in piston-engined general aviation types and smaller executive turboprops, and RUAG, with access to its full range of business aviation services.
Recognising the importance of its growing business aviation customer base, the airport is investing in a new business jet hangar project open to third parties and additional ramp space; Gantenbein regards both as being ‘of key importance’ for the
preferred business jet airport for leisure travellers – Bernese
Region can all be reached by car in 60 to 75 minutes. We also want to be considered a regular, sensible alternative to Geneva and Zurich, the major Swiss airports, and their slot restrictions.
“Our major challenge today is telling people about our
they enjoy their holiday to its very last minute. A short helicopter hop can also be arranged to any super yacht with a helipad, or any of the local hotels and villas. Regardless of the mode of transport, onward travel is smoothly
motivated team.The terminal’s concierge service
is able to organise everything visitors require for a perfect stay, from horse
Bentley or Aston Martin rentals to yacht charters, either bare-boat or with a skipper and crew. Through its sister
company Cortesa, Eccelsa also provides
of 100 dishes, ranging from simple sandwiches to mouth-watering lobster, local Sardinian and Italian specialities,
and Spumante.Eccelsa’s agreement with the
Meridiana Maintenance Team ensures
the option to hangar aircraft for the length of their stay at Olbia. Air taxi
companies and their crews are also well catered for, since they now account for
Costa Smeralda.Eccelsa Aviation is among the
reasons people demanding a truly special holiday in a truly special place return to Sardinia – an island
class service are in the nature of its
from an array of cultures meet and live together in perfect harmony in Costa Smeralda for the entire summer season, using Eccelsa Aviation for all their private aviation needs.
SUMMER 2018 | International 65
PROFILE|BERN AIRPORT
TRAVION|ANDREA JILKOVA
ATTEND THE WORLD’S LARGEST BUSINESS AVIATION EVENT Join over 25,000 industry professionals for the most important three days of business aviation, with 1,100 exhibitors, 2 static displays of aircraft, and more than 50 education opportunities. Save the date and visit the NBAA-BACE website to learn more.
www.nbaa.org/2018
Ready for Kick-off …
Headquartered at London Oxford Airport and established only last year,
Including operators in Prague and the UAE, Travion’s experienced personnel nurture particular regional expertise and Sales and Marketing Director
Andrea Jilkova says this provides a real
experience in the airline charter business.
irregularities of the airline business.“In addition, our in-depth knowledge
believe in the concept of supervision of local supervisors.”
the rest of the world, but Slavic people
and resources very often had to be
and trusted close friendships are highly
World Cup Flight Management
SUMMER 2018 | International 67
TRAVION|ANDREA JILKOVA
“Russian people need to trust you, they need face-to-face contact and you need to understand their background. It also helps to speak their language,
the ground. Through face-to-face
relationships with local supervisors and we have several Slavic people on board, including native Russian speakers.”
World Cup Workload
broker. Jilkova reports: “They have a very fresh, relaxed and innovative approach to business. They arrange
win for Travion as it continues to build
with a spike in workload and potential
business opportunities, with the football a bonus. The fans start booking their
Jilkova says.“Many Russian airports have already
serviced larger events, including the
strictly adhere to assigned airport slots. There will be parking restrictions at all
parking slots.
the host city airports: Ekaterinburg,
harder to get things done in hopes of
by a passion for aviation, but what about
“There is a wide range of national footballing loyalty across Travion; in fact, our operations director plays indoor
friendly rivalry and we don’t see anything
don’t want to share the winnings…”
Part of the Travion/The Aviation Factory team, from left to right: Lukas Slegr, Sports and Aviation Wizard – Central Europe, The Aviation Factory; Jiri Soukup, Flight Manager, Travion; Lubo Polasek,
Sky Smile Manager – Central Europe, The Aviation Factory; Lukas Kadlcik, Flight Dispatch and
Operations Director, Travion; and Lukas Benes, Flight Manager, Travion
TRAVION|ANDREA JILKOVA
68 International | SUMMER 2018
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